• Industry
    • Opinion
    • Features
      • iGaming Data
      • Sports Betting Data
    • Finance
    • Online Casinos
    • Podcast

      News

      Saks Global Withdraws Midtown Manhattan Casino Bid

      Longshot plan for one of three NYC-area licenses faced multiple obstacles

      By Chris Altruda

      Last updated: April 14, 2025

      1 min

      saks fifth avenue

      Saks Global announced it has withdrawn its bid for one of New York’s three downstate casino licenses, slightly thinning the field.

      Saks originally proposed to have a high-end casino spanning the top three floors of its signature location at 611 Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan. But parent company Hudson Bay completed a $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus last December, shifting its priorities elsewhere.

      Additionally, Saks Global’s proposal offered little beyond the casino, and amenities such as housing, green space, and infrastructure have emerged as key selling points in competing bids to win support from communities. Saks was also hamstrung due to the logistical limitations of 611 Fifth Avenue in terms of space, and the landmark status of nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral added another layer of re-zoning complications. The proposal also lacked a formal gaming partner for casino operations.

      Saks’ withdrawal leaves four groups with Manhattan-based casino proposals among a potential 10 overall.

      The Avenir’s has plans for a casino on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Jay-Z’s Roc Nation has partnered with Caesars to bring a gambling venue to Times Square. The Soloviev Group and Mohegan have proposed a casino for the Upper East Side within walking distance of the United Nations Plaza. And the tandem of Wynn Resorts and Related have laid out plans for a gaming complex in Hudson Yards on the west side of New York City.

      Updates on other bids

      As Saks departs the hotly contested bidding process, other contenders are making moves to enhance their chances.

      Hudson’s Bay Company Drops Out of Bid to Build a Casino Atop Saks Fifth Avenue https://t.co/AAcufO7bch

      — Commercial Observer (@commobserver) April 10, 2025

      The “Metropolitan Park” bid led by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and Hard Rock International centered in Queens received a huge boost this month when New York Sen. John Liu introduced a bill that would re-designate the parking lots around Citi Field from parkland to commercial use.

      That came after the City Council voted in favor of zoning changes for the 50 acres of parking lots surrounding the ballpark in March.

      The City Planning Commission of New York City last week approved an application submitted by the Hudson Yards group to modify zoning changes at the Western Rail Yards site. Officials stressed the zoning proposal was different than determining the feasibility of the casino, which continues to be opposed by notable community groups including Friends of the High Line.

      Get Weekly Email Updates

      Covering all aspects of regulated U.S. online casinos, iGaming, sweepstakes, and more

      Related Posts

      igt headquarters

      PlayDigital Launches Online Version Of IGT’s Popular Land-Based Slot Prosperity Link Wan Shi Ru Yi

      New York City casino prices

      New York Casino License, Capital Investment Minimums Set At $500 Million

      Bill To Make Video Lottery Terminals Legal In Missouri Gas Stations And Bars Moves To Senate

      draftkings nfl app icon

      Massachusetts Gaming Commission Opens Dialogue On Limiting Sports Bettors, Operators Mostly Sit It Out

      Recommended Read

      nyc skyline

      Industry

      Downstate New York Casino Process Has An End In Sight (Allegedly)

      There’s More…

      dominos coins

      News

      Opposition To New Jersey Gambling Tax Hike Proposal Already Mobilizing

      February 27, 2025

      John Brennan

      washington dc

      News

      D.C.’s Sports Betting Market Expansion On Hold Amid Budget Approval Delay

      BetMGM and Caesars were primed to be the first to expand their online offerings citywide, but their plans were derailed by the mayor's delay.

      September 9, 2024

      Erik Gibbs

      poker chips

      News

      Poker Hall Of Fame Finalists: Trio Of 40-Year-Olds Among 10 Contenders

      June 18, 2025

      Eric Raskin

      cards dice computer lock

      News

      Multiple States Now In Process Of Pressuring Offshore Gambling Operator Bovada To Exit

      Michigan, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are at various stages of trying to push Bovada out, with an eye on boosting regulated gaming.

      September 9, 2024

      Erik Gibbs

      Get Weekly Email Updates

      Covering all aspects of regulated U.S. online casinos, iGaming, sweepstakes, and more

      • About
      • Contact
      • Privacy
      • Terms
      • Disclosure
      • Responsible Gaming

      © 2025 Casino Reports. Web Design by Fhoke.